Before we begin, I would like to thank any and all of you who have participated in the past FIVE Custom Swaps. Well over 50 customs have been made, each one awesome and amazing in its’ own right. I know we do this out of the pure joy and fun of doing it, but the talent that comes out of everyone, from the first timers to the veterans, astounds me. I look forward to the upcoming ones we have scheduled for 2013, and can’t wait to see what you all come up with. Now, off we go to Boston…

This past weekend was frigid up in Massachusetts, and the wind was howling at times through the streets of greater Boston. The only saving grace was the sun. So, if you were in the sun, things weren’t half bad. However, when you are walking among office buildings and such, the shadows overtook you without you even having a say. Be that as it may, I was due to meet a couple of our custom artists, Jimmy (floydnjanicefan) and Scott (spmorris) at Faneuil Hall/ Quincy Market in the early afternoon. Being that the shoot was moved to Boston, and they live there, they decided to pull together a last minute entry… and I am glad they did. Our plan was to meet up and do the group shot together. So, after the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in South Boston, I made my way up Harborwalk towards Faneuil Hall. Along the way, I took some individual shots of the Fantasyland customs.

Sideshow Pete by James Hank (vinylinwdw).

“it’s a small world” koalas by Travis Denman (Travis D.)

Peter Pan’s Flight by Courtney Arndt (Court_Royal).

Matterhorn Bobsleds by Lawrence J. Sharma (Lsharma05).

Indian Chief by Arjan de Wit (arjaneelco).

Painting the Roses Red by Ashley Morgan (Ashwonderland).

Arthur with The Sword in the Stone by Joshua Pirtle (JEP).

Dumbo by Megan Kessler (Megan).

Fantasyland Mickey by Sherman Sung (S77Sung).

Mr. Toad by Matt Ferry (TK-M477).

Finally, I made it to Faneuil Hall. I hung around a bit while Jimmy and Scott made their way over (as is true city tradition, there were Subway delays). Finally, I got to meet up with them. It’s always fun meeting online friends for the first time in real life, and this was no exception.

Scott, Jimmy, & I outside of Faneuil Hall.

And the custom that they brought… definitely a winner.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant by Jimmy (floydnjanicefan) and Scott (spmorris).

Then it was time for the group shot. Being that Faneuil Hall is quite tall, we had to be creative. Thankfully, the steps of Quincy Market were flat enough to get the shot.

Fantasyland Custom Swap Group Shot- Faneuil Hall.

Unfortunately, the angle needed for the shot hid parts of the figures. With the wind whipping through the square, we decided to find a better spot for another group shot. Jimmy mentioned a spot in Quincy Market on the second level that overlooked the waterfront. We tried there, but there were no flat surfaces for the figures (stupid curved railings). We instead settled on a windowsill that overlooked part of Harborwalk and, to my amusement, one of the famous orange Boston trolleys was passing by.

Fantasyland Custom Swap Group Shot- Boston Harborwalk.

And, with that, it was time to draw the shoot to a close. Before meeting my family for a nice dinner down the street, Jimmy, Scott, and I visited for a while, and Jimmy promptly collapsed a shelf filled with Doctor Who stuff in Newbury Comics. Ah, the memories. It was a great time in Boston. I absolutely LOVE that city (except driving in it) and, with my brother now living up there, I will probably be visiting more often.

Don’t forget, there is a week left to sign up for the Marvel Custom Swap, with customs due in the end of April. The shoot will take place in Corona Park over in Queens, NY… the site of the New York World’s Fair and the fictitious Stark Expo from Iron Man 2. I invite all of you to join up. All we ask is that you try your best and have fun. Click here for more information and to sign up.

Also, did you know that the VK’s Custom Swaps have their own Facebook page? Check it out and please “like” us. If we get 75 likes by the end of the month, two lucky people will get some Vinylmation/ Disney swag! Everyone loves swag, don’t you?

Oh my shame posted for all the world to read! How mortifying! Haha. Just kidding. That shelf had it coming. :P Thanks for posting this. It was a lot of fun meeting you, too. Glad to hear you’ll be back more often!